Control of the Eastern Mediterranean has changed extensively throughout history. There have been numerous empires that have ruled this region including the Greeks, the Romans, Christian crusaders, and Muslim caliphates. Throughout history control of this region has changed hands numerous times largely through armed conflict. In recent history the Ottoman Empire controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean until it was defeated in WWI. Following the Ottoman Empire's defeat much of the territory was divided into French and British control until their colonial areas of control became sovereign nation states like Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and other countries.
